Before SCOTUS’ landmark abortion decision, there was Wendy Davis’ filibuster

Sen. Eddie Lucio speaks with State Sen. Wendy Davis leads the Democrats during a filibuster as they try to block passage of Senate Bill 5. SB5 on the floor of the State Senate on Tuesday, June 25, 2013 (RICARDO B. BRAZZIELL/AMERICAN-STATESMAN)

Before the Supreme Court of the United States ruled to overturn restrictions placed on clinics by Texas’ controversial abortion law, then-Sen. Wendy Davis laced up a pair of pink running shoes and launched an 11-hour filibuster at the Capitol to delay the passing of SB 5.

Although Republicans cited Davis for rule violations in the filibuster’s final stretch, her efforts effectively delayed the passing of the bill until a second session. The U.S. Supreme Court would go on to block enforcement of the abortion restrictions by agreeing to review and weigh in on the bill.

Following today’s ruling, the 10 Texas abortion clinics (of the state’s 19) that were set to close under the law known as House Bill 2 will now remain open. Although state officials argued that the bill was intended to protect the health of Texas women, the Supreme Court ruled the restrictions created an inappropriate barrier for women seeking an abortion.

Explore our coverage of Davis’ filibuster and the subsequent developments: